Stuart Hamblen was more than just a country singer. He was one of America’s first singing cowboys, a prolific songwriter, a movie actor, and eventually, a gospel music pioneer. His life reflected the American journey of fame, failure, and redemption. From radio stardom and hard-living to a profound spiritual transformation, Hamblen left an indelible mark on both country and Christian music.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Carl Stuart Hamblen |
| Stage Name | Stuart Hamblen |
| Born | October 20, 1908 – Kellyville, Texas |
| Died | March 8, 1989 – Santa Monica, California |
| Genres | Country, Gospel |
| Notable Songs | “This Ole House,” “It Is No Secret,” “Open Up Your Heart (And Let the Sunshine In),” “(Remember Me) I’m the One Who Loves You” |
| Labels | Decca Records, RCA Victor |
| Occupation | Singer-songwriter, actor, evangelist, radio host |
Early Life and Musical Roots
Stuart Hamblen was born Carl Stuart Hamblen on October 20, 1908, in Kellyville, Texas. His father, J.H. Hamblen, was a prominent Methodist preacher and founder of the Evangelical Methodist Church. Growing up in a deeply religious household, Stuart was exposed early to both scripture and music.
Yet despite his Christian upbringing, he didn’t initially follow the path of faith. Instead, he set out to make a name for himself in music and entertainment.
The Rise of a Singing Cowboy
By the 1920s, Hamblen was making waves as one of the first singing cowboys. In the early 1930s, he began hosting radio programs on the West Coast. His mix of storytelling, humor, and music made him a household name.
Radio wasn’t the only medium where Hamblen thrived. He also appeared in numerous Western films, often alongside big names like Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, and John Wayne. Ironically, his real-life drinking and wild behavior often typecast him as a villain. That suited him just fine at the time.
Chart Success and Songwriting Prowess
Hamblen signed with Decca Records in 1934, one of the label’s first American artists. His first breakout as a songwriter came when Patsy Montana adapted his “Texas Plains” into “I Want to Be a Cowboy’s Sweetheart”—a major hit and a country classic.
In 1950, Hamblen scored his own Top 10 country hit with “(I Won’t Go Huntin’ Jake) But I’ll Go Chasin’ Women,” which climbed to #3. That same year, he wrote “It Is No Secret (What God Can Do),” which became a spiritual anthem. His version hit #8 on the country chart, and Jo Stafford’s version reached the Top 20 on the pop chart in 1951.
He followed this with another classic, “(Remember Me) I’m the One Who Loves You.” Ernest Tubb covered it, and Dean Martin turned it into a gold-certified pop hit in 1965.
In 1954, Hamblen’s “This Ole House” became a sensation. Although his version hit #2 on the country chart and #26 on the pop chart, it was Rosemary Clooney who brought it to #1 in both the U.S. and U.K. The song’s popularity was further extended by covers from Shakin’ Stevens, Jimmy Dean, and Billie Anthony.
Personal Struggles and a Turning Point
Hamblen’s personal life mirrored the highs and lows of his professional career. He battled alcohol addiction and had a gambling problem. His outbursts often led to jail time. Fortunately, his popularity kept him afloat—radio sponsors routinely bailed him out of trouble.
But by the late 1940s, his lifestyle caught up with him. His health declined. His radio career faltered. Something had to change.
That change came in 1949, when Hamblen attended evangelist Billy Graham’s Los Angeles Crusade. Deeply moved, he gave up alcohol, gambling, and even much of his country career. His conversion was genuine, and it had consequences.
A New Direction: Gospel Music and Faith
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Hamblen’s newfound faith caused friction with his sponsors, especially those associated with alcohol. He refused to promote beer on his radio show and was let go. But Hamblen stood firm. He redirected his talents to Christian songwriting and gospel broadcasting.
One of his earliest gospel hits, “It Is No Secret,” became a favorite among believers and musicians alike. Elvis Presley, Jim Reeves, and George Beverly Shea all recorded versions of the song.
Hamblen also involved his family in his new mission. Together with his wife and two daughters, he formed a gospel group called Cowboy Church Sunday School. They were later joined by two friends of the daughters.
In 1955, the family group recorded “Open Up Your Heart (And Let the Sunshine In).” The song reached the Top 10 on the pop charts and became a favorite among Sunday schools and children’s choirs. It was later featured in The Flintstones, bringing it to a whole new generation.
Civic Life and Final Years
Hamblen remained a vocal advocate for Christian values. He supported temperance and promoted clean living. In 1952, he ran for President of the United States as the Prohibition Party candidate. Though he didn’t win, he earned over 70,000 votes—an impressive feat for a third-party candidate.
He also ran for Congress as a Democrat, but lost to Carl Hinshaw. Still, Hamblen continued to write, speak, and perform into the 1970s and 1980s.
Stuart Hamblen passed away on March 8, 1989, from brain cancer. He was 80 years old.
Hamblen’s Musical Legacy
Though his chart-topping days ended decades ago, Stuart Hamblen’s influence still lingers. He broke ground as one of the first singing cowboys, helped pioneer Christian popular music, and inspired generations of artists with his powerful, faith-driven songwriting.
His music continues to be performed by gospel singers, country legends, and Christian choirs. “This Ole House” and “It Is No Secret” remain standards, proving that great songs, like great lives, stand the test of time.
Selected Discography
Major Singles:
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“(I Won’t Go Huntin’ Jake) But I’ll Go Chasin’ Women” (#3 Country, 1950)
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“It Is No Secret (What God Can Do)” (#8 Country, 1950)
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“(Remember Me) I’m the One Who Loves You” (#17 Country, later a pop hit by Dean Martin)
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“This Ole House” (#2 Country, #26 Pop, 1954)
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“Open Up Your Heart (And Let the Sunshine In)” (#8 Pop, 1955)
Notable Covers of His Songs:
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Rosemary Clooney – “This Ole House” (#1 US/UK)
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Dean Martin – “(Remember Me) I’m the One Who Loves You” (Gold Record)
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Jo Stafford – “It Is No Secret” (Top 20 Pop)
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Elvis Presley – “It Is No Secret”
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Shakin’ Stevens – “This Ole House”
Final Thoughts
Stuart Hamblen lived two very different lives: one as a cowboy entertainer with a wild streak, and another as a gospel music icon committed to his faith. His journey from sin to salvation makes his story compelling—not just as a musician, but as a man transformed.
He gave country music some of its earliest hits and helped shape Christian music as we know it today. Through it all, he stayed true to what mattered most in the end—his message.